A Day in NashVegas
At Vanderbilt, when break time comes, people clear out quickly. And I mean quickly. That being said, the Friday before Thanksgiving break, campus numbers were already dwindling and that deserted feeling swooped over Commons. Thanks to my lovely dad, who assured me that kids are in “no hurry” to leave, I was stuck in the practically empty dorm for the night. Thanks, pa!
So what do you do after all your friends leave and you refuse to look at one more book?
You break out of the bubble and explore Nashville (alone) (because you really have no other option). Let me get one thing straight: I didn’t go out alone in high school, but college is different. Sometimes the alone time is just what you need. So, I borrowed my older friend’s car and headed downtown to Broadway.
First stop: Frist Center for the Visual Arts. Although I was the youngest person I saw at the museum, it was worth the 15-minute drive from Commons. For those 18 and under, entrance to the museum is free. If you’re over 18, bring your Commodore ID and you can get in for $7. While I visited, the main exhibition was the works of Wassily Kandinsky, an esteemed Russian painter. It was the first time I had ventured to the art museum alone, in Nashville or in Cleveland, which gave me the (super weird) feeling of being an adult. Overall, it was an ideal beginning to my day.
Second stop: Boot Country. Another tourist-y location, but else do you do when you’re new to Nashville? This store sells authentic cowboy boots and is located on Broadway in Downtown Nashville, not too far from the Frist Center. They often run a “buy 1 get 2 pairs free” special. I perused and found a couple pairs that I liked, to buy at a later date considering that I have no need for three pairs of cowboy boots. As I wandered down Broadway, I found live music at almost every restaurant I passed. Since Vanderbilt’s campus is so busy, you almost overlook the unique city surrounding you. Onto the next stop…
Third stop: Regal Green Hills. This mall is ridiculously nice. Any store you could ever want is here. It’s only about 10 to 15 minutes from campus, so seriously, check it out. I’ll admit, I had never been to the movies alone, but it didn’t stop me on this Nashville-packed day. In I marched to see “Mockingjay: Part 1,” popcorn in hand. No regrets.
The moral of the story is this: don’t be afraid to break out of the Vandy Bubble for a day. It would’ve been more enjoyable with my friends, but at least I can say I know my new city that much better.